More than fixing accountability, it’s important to focus on improving services: New BMC chief Praveen Pardeshi

Facing an uphill task to ensure a smooth Monsoon season for the citizens of Mumbai, Pardeshi said his top priority is Monsoon preparedness.

BMC chief Praveen Pardeshi&nbsp | &nbspPhoto Credit:&nbspANI

Mumbai: Senior IAS officer Praveen Pardeshi on Monday took over as the new BMC Commissioner from Ajoy Mehta who has been now appointed as Maharashtra’s new chief secretary.

Pardeshi has taken charge as the BMC chief during a crucial period of the year, just weeks before Monsoon is expected to arrive in the financial capital of the country.

Facing an uphill task to ensure a smooth Monsoon season for the citizens of Mumbai, Pardeshi said his top priority is Monsoon preparedness.

“Since Monsoon is at the doorstep, effective disaster management is important for tackling Monsoon-related challenges. We have already charted three-point plan to tackle flooding in the city,” he said.

When questioned by Times Now about lack of accountability in the system, Pardeshi said, “It is important to first focus on improving services and infrastructure that we provide to the citizens. This will ultimately help avoid any untoward incident. Yes, there is usually a blame game but the BMC has taken corrective actions in the past. However, I would focus on ensuring better infrastructure.”

Further referring to the recent CSMT bridge collapse and subsequent action on engineers, Pardeshi said, “When there is culpability there should be action but innocent officers should not be punished. If the manual (duty chart of officers) is not followed and they did not carry out inspections that were necessary then it is negligence. It comes as a routine. Many times officers are busy in big projects and they forget to check their routine maintenance works.”

Following action on engineers of the bridges department, more than 42 civic engineers are on mass leave since the past four days.

Pardeshi also aims at decentralising the system especially to improve the condition of civic hospitals in the city. Another issue that the new commissioner wishes to focus on is solving the dispute between environmentalists and civic authority in terms of the development of the city. “This needs urgent attention because I strongly believe development is necessary and there must be no hindrance.”

On the question of how would he address pothole woes during monsoon, Pardeshi said it is important to create better storm water drain system and utility ducts.

“One of the most important thing for better roads is a side drain and utility corridor. I think if we ensure these two things then potholes problem will be minimised. There is misconception that potholes are only because of rains."

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More than fixing accountability, it’s important to focus on improving services: New BMC chief Praveen PardeshiDescription:Facing an uphill task to ensure a smooth Monsoon season for the citizens of Mumbai, Pardeshi said his top priority is Monsoon preparedness.Vaishnavi Vasudevan